Moogfest Pairs Up With SXSW In Bold First-Time Partnership

Moogfest and SXSWboth share a reputation for programming that celebrates the atypical in music, art and creative technology. However, where Moogfest routinely makes headlines for its inclusivity and progressive initiatives, SXSW came under fire this week after it came to light that its artist contracts included a clause threatening to report international performers to immigration authorities for playing unofficial shows. Naturally, the news resulted in an immediate uproar.

Now, with all eyes on SXSW as it attempts to recover, the two festivals are set to collaborate on "Synthesize Love With Moogfest," on March 13 in downtown Austin, Texas.

"Synthesize" is modeled after the North Carolina festival's two programming sectors, "Future Sound" and "Future Thought." Thought leaders from various industries and North Carolina's Governor Roy Cooper are on the daytime "Thought" bill, which will host panels and performances exploring themes of diversity and inclusion. "Sound" takes over at night with showcases from Madame Gandhi, Suzanne Ciani, Pharmakon, Ellie Herring, Russell E.L. Butler, and Professor Toon.

The collaboration is a significant one. As a champion of progressive values, Moogfest's willingness to partner up in an event like this will likely aid SXSW's damaged credibility. Plus, the timing is crucial as Texas lawmakers are fighting to pass their version of House Bill 2, a law restricting bathroom access for transgender people that passed in North Carolina (Moogfest's home state) last year.

In February, Moogfest announced it will host a special "Protest Stage" at this year's festival (May 18-21) as a response to including the recent Muslim travel ban ban and North Carolina's House Bill 2, the "transgender bathroom bill."

SXSW kicks off on March 10 and runs until March 19, 2017 in Austin, Texas. Stay tuned to Everfest for updates on the situation.